What is THCa Flower?
What is THCa flower? THCA, is it a brand new type of THC? Does it produce a high? Where does it come from? We are going to get you answers to all these questions and more in this article. Tetrahydrocannabinol-acid (THCA) is the mother of all types of THC including Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-10 THC. THCA itself is non-psychoactive which means that it will NOT produce a psychoactive high when consumed. It is only after THCA has been converted to Delta-9 THC through decarboxylation that it becomes active and will produce a high. Decarboxylation is the process of adding heat to an element which then changes its molecular structure.
In this example, THCA loses the acid component (the “A” in THCA) and becomes Delta-9 THC. If you have ever made your own edibles at home, you might remember that the first step was to place your flower into a hot oven to “decarb” it. This is the exact process which converts and activates THCA. To summarize, THCA is the precursor to other types of THC. THCA itself is non-psychoactive but can become active through decarboxylation.
What is THCa Flower? Is THCa Flower the Same as Marijuana?
The short answer is that yes, THCA Flower and marjuana are almost exactly the same thing. They differ slightly in the cannabinoid composition, but not much. The difference is mostly just a legal definition, but the effects are the same. Typical marijuana flower has high levels of THCA (up to about 30%) and low levels of Delta-9 THC (around 3%). THCA Flower, to remain legally compliant under the Farm Bill (2018), must have levels of Delta-9 THC that do not exceed 0.3%. The amount of THCA in THCA Flower has no restrictions.
As we mentioned above, THCA is non-psychoactive while Delta-9 THC is. The trick is that THCA converts to Delta-9 THC through decarboxylation (heating it up). Decarboxylation of THCA Flower occurs as you begin to smoke it. It really is as simple as that! This is the same exact process that happens when consuming marijuana. So, if you are wondering if THCA Flower will get you high; the answer is a resounding yes, THCA Flower gets you high in the same way as marijuana does.
Health Benefits of THCA Flower
The therapeutic potential of THCA has caught the attention of researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients alike. While more studies are needed to fully understand its effects, initial findings show promise in various areas.
Pain Management: THCA Flower may offer relief from chronic pain, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Its potential analgesic properties make it a viable alternative to traditional pain medications.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: THCA has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, potentially aiding in the management of conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.
Neuroprotective Properties: Early studies suggest that THCA may exhibit neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-Nausea Effects: THCA has been found to possess antiemetic properties, offering relief to individuals experiencing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, motion sickness, or other medical conditions.
Antioxidant Activity: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of several chronic diseases. THCA’s antioxidant activity may help combat this stress, potentially reducing the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Legality of THCA Flower
The legality of THCA is a highly-debated topic so we will attempt to simplify it for those asking “what is THCa flower?”. Under the terms of the Farm Bill (2018), all hemp products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. There is no limit on the amount of THCA allowed in a hemp product. Of course, THCA does convert into Delta-9 THC when smoked, but in its raw form, THCA Flower is a legally compliant product.
The point of the Farm Bill was to limit cannabis product legalization to those that DO NOT produce a psychoactive high, but the bill does not achieve this. Some would say that THCA Flower legality is a loophole in the Farm Bill. With all this being said, although THCA Flower is federally legal under the Farm Bill, some states, counties, and cities have chosen to outlaw products with high levels of THCA. It is best practice to check your local laws before buying THCA Flower products.
Where to Find High-Quality THCA Products
When looking for the best quality THCA products, it is important to find a retailer that you can trust and who has verified third-party lab results. Lab results should be current and outline the exact levels of THCA, Delta-9 THC, and other cannabinoids found in the product. Legally, these products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Some of the best THCA Flower has levels of THCA that exceed 25%. THCA Flower can come as loose buds or rolled into joints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for people wondering “what is THCa flower?”, THCA Flower is almost exactly the same as marijuana in terms of effects and molecular composition. The only difference is that THCA Flower is legally limited to having less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. You will experience the same high when using THCA Flower as you do when using marijuana. THCA itself is non-psychoactive, but converts into the active Delta-9 THC when heated up during the process of smoking the flower (this is called decarboxylation).
Under the Farm Bill (2018), THCA Flower is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC before using the product. To find high-quality THCA Flower, look for up-to-date lab results which outline the levels of Delta-9 THC and THCA. You can find flower that has up to 30% THCA.
